Tag: Project 52

Buddy, our Elf on the Shelf, has been bringing holiday cheer to our home since December 1. Sophia’s mornings aren’t always cheerful, but trying to find Buddy in his new location each morning makes for a much better start to the day. It’s the first thing she does after she gets out of bed. Thanks for the holiday cheer Buddy! We are sad to see you go.

I finally received our holiday photo cards from the printer yesterday. The festive colors in our cards are red and light blue. Not traditional holiday colors, but very cute! I was short on time and used a template from Shutterfly instead of designing my own this year. I’m so glad that I can (almost) check this off our holiday to-do list. Now I just need to get all 50 of them in the mail.

I couldn’t decide which tradition to photograph for this week’s theme. We have a few things that we do every year for the holidays and now we have just started our new tradition of the “Elf of the Shelf”. One thought was to photograph the turtle doves on our Christmas tree that Mike gave me nearly 17 years ago on Christmas morning during our honeymoon in Jamaica. There are two turtle dove ornaments, one for each of us to put on the tree. The idea was inspired from Home Alone 2. A little corny, but very sweet. The quote from Mr. Duncan the toy story owner who gave the turtle doves to Kevin is below.

Mr. E.F. Duncan, Owner Duncan’s Toy Chest: Well, two Turtle Doves. I’ll tell you what you do: you keep one, and you give the other one to a very special person. You see, Turtle Doves are a symbol of friendship and love. And as long as each of you has your Turtle Dove, you’ll be friends forever.

I did take this picture two years ago of one of the turtle doves.

Turtle Dove

Another thought was to photograph the beautiful wooden hand-carved nativity set that we put out each year. Also a wedding present. We received a number of wedding gifts that are holiday-related. That’s what happens when you get married a week before Christmas. I love setting this up every year. Although I don’t ever know if I have everyone in the proper place.

The Nativity Scene

I finally settled on our new tradition, Elf on the Shelf. Who can resist those cheerful blue eyes and rosy red cheeks?

Buddy Our House Elf

Here’s a close up.

Searching From The Chandelier

Buddy had a great hiding spot today – day #7. Come back soon to see where he ended up.